She’d start by saying how much the girls in the dance team missed me after I left, and then she’d mention how her share of the prize money had made life a lot easier.
“Recently, Ashford University held its independent admissions exams. Linda applied but got rejected after the interview.”
“It was hilarious. The same professor who was at our anniversary gala was part of the interview panel that day.” “They said her Clair de Lune was muddy and lackluster, completely overshadowed by your Symphony No. 5.”
“And guess what? After the interview, Linda cried her eyes out while clinging to Alec, and the more she cried, the harder I laughed.”
“Oh, and my college entrance exam results are out. I ranked first in the entire school and third in the city.”
I received those messages while drowning in finals for my double majors. Even so, I couldn’t help but smile sincerely.
“Congratulations,” I replied.
“Sierra, I’m still waiting for you to come back so we can keep being friends.”
My mom called often too, updating me on Shawn’s movements and checking on how I was doing abroad.
Are you getting by okay? Do you have enough money?”
When I gave her small glimpses into my current situation, she would sigh, both relieved and helpless. “You’re still so young. Don’t push yourself too hard,” she’d say.
“If you need help with anything, tell me. Don’t hesitate or feel embarrassed.”
וי
So, I told her about Harold, mentioning his name and what little I could recall about him, and asked her to help me look into him.
“Whatever you do, make sure my brother doesn’t find out.”
I arrived in Golden Miles a month before Shawn.
Outside the university, I was about to ask someone for directions when I caught sight of a familiar face on the nearby lawn.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 12
Harold was several years younger than I remembered.
Standing in front of him was a tall, slender girl with short hair and glasses. Her expression was icy as she stared
him down.
“That’s my research. Who gave you permission to use it for usiness negotiations without consulting me? Harold chuckled nervously. “What’s the difference? Didn’t we work on it together?”
“The idea was mine, the experiments were done by me, and you were just an assistant who logged some data. What makes you think you have the right to do anything with my work?”
The girl refused to budge.
At her words, Harold’s smile faded, and his expression darkened.
“Zoe Quinn, don’t cross the line! Graduation is right around the corner. Aren’t I doing this for our future? What’s the point of keeping it to yourself? Isn’t finding a reliable company to develop and market it the best way to maximize its value?”
“For the last time–that is my work.”
Her voice was cold and unyielding as she glared at him.
“The patent is in my name. You don’t even understand the pore technology, and you think you can negotiate a deal? As long as I’m alive, it’s not happening.
“And one more thing–we’re done. From now on, you have nothing to do with me.”
With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.
Harold stood frozen, his gaze fixed on her retreating figure
Slowly, his eyes darkened, and a sharp glint of malice flickered in them.
I stood there in silence, watching the scene unfold, and at that moment, I understood everything
